
Braiding hair is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its existence in various cultures worldwide. The exact origins are challenging to pinpoint, but braids have been found in archaeological artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Braiding has stood the test of time due to its practicality, versatility, and cultural significance. It can serve functional purposes like keeping hair neat and organized, as well as aesthetic and cultural reasons. Different societies and periods have embraced braiding for its beauty and as a form of self-expression.
Today, it remains popular for its ability to create diverse hairstyles and reflect cultural identity Box braids: These are the most common type of braids. They are created by dividing the hair into square sections and then braiding each section. Box braids can be done with natural hair or with extensions.

Cornrow braids
Cornrows: Cornrows are a type of braid that is created by braiding the hair in three sections. They can be done on natural hair or with extensions. Cornrows are a popular protective style for black hair Cornrows are Narrow, tight braids close to the scalp, often created in straight lines or intricate plaits.

Twist braids
Twists: Twists are a type of braid that is created by twisting the hair into two or three sections. They can be done on natural hair or with extensions. Twist Braid also known as (Rope Braid) Two or three strands of hair twisted around each other to form a rope-like braid. Twists are a popular protective style for black hair.
Three-Strand Braid (Regular plaiting): The most basic form, created by crossing three strands of hair over one another.

Plait braids
French Braid: A style where the hair is gradually incorporated into the braid as it progresses, typically along the centre of the scalp.

Dutch Braid (Inverted French Braid): Similar to a French braid but with the strands crossed under rather than over, creating a raised, 3D effect.

Fishtail braids
Fishtail Braid: A two-strand braid where small sections of hair are crossed over each other to create a textured, fishtail-like appearance.

Knotless braids
Box Braids: Long, small, and square-shaped braids plaits that are often used to create long styles that can be worn up or down. Can be done as micro or jumbo plaits.

Braids with beads
Feed-in braids: These braids are similar to box braids, but the hair is not divided into square sections. Instead, the hair is braided strand by strand, and the extensions are fed into the braid as it is being created. Feed-in braids are often considered to be less damaging to the hair than box braids

Feed in braids
Knotless braids: Knotless braids are a newer type of braid that is becoming increasingly popular. They are created by braiding the hair without using knots. This means that there is less tension on the hair, which can help to prevent breakage
Waterfall Braid: A braid where sections of hair are dropped to create a cascading effect, resembling a waterfall.

Waterfall braids
Herringbone Braid (Fishbone Braid): A braid that consists of two strands, with small sections of hair crossed over to create a herringbone pattern.

Herringbone braids
Milkmaid Braid: Two braids wrapped around the head like a crown, creating a regal and elegant look.

Milkmaid braids
Micro interlocking braids
Using the interlocking method to start microlocs is great for fine textured hair or for those that desire the smallest version of microlocs
Versatility: The small size of microlocs often creates hundreds of locs, which means that the styling possibilities are almost endless.
Neatness: Microlocs maintained with interlocking will stay neater for extended periods of time, compared to retwisting, because the sections are smaller, which means less frizz at the roots.
Fullness: Microlocs generally result in at least 150-300 locs, depending on the size of your head and which size of microlocs you chose, therefore they will instantly create fullness and volume.

Micro interlocking braids
Crochet
You’ve probably heard of crochet braids, but how much do you really know about them? First things first, crochet braiding isn’t actually a ‘braiding‘ in the traditional sense, which is where some of the confusion around this style stems from.

Crochet braiding
Instead, it’s a process through which loose hair extensions are woven into cornrows using a crochet hook, giving the illusion of longer locks. The results are so natural looking that people won’t even suspect that you didn’t grow them yourself!
Other major advantages of crochet braid styles are that they take significantly less time to install compared to box braids (bonus!), and causes less strain on your scalp than sewn-in weaves, since the hair is looped onto existing braids. So, feeling inspired to take plunge? Then check out our favourite looks from Instagram, below!
These are just a few examples, and the world of braiding offers a wide array of styles, often influenced by cultural traditions and personal preferences.

Pros and cons of different braiding techniques
The pros and cons of different braiding techniques vary depending on the technique, but some general pros and cons include:
Pros:
• Braids can protect the hair from heat, humidity, and other environmental factors.
• Braids can help to stretch the hair, which can improve its texture.
• Braids can be styled in a variety of ways, which can give you a lot of versatility:
• Braids can be time-consuming to install and remove.
• Braids can be heavy, which can cause discomfort.
• If braids are done too tightly, they can cause hair breakage.
Which braiding technique is right for you?
The best braiding technique for you will depend on your individual hair type, preferences, and lifestyle. If you have delicate hair, you may want to choose a technique that is less damaging, such as knotless braids or twists. If you are looking for a style that is versatile and easy to maintain, box braids or cornrows may be a good option for you. Ultimately, the best way to decide which braiding technique is right for you is to talk to a hair stylist who can assess your hair and help you choose the best style for your needs.

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Note
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